The San Diego Padres have a lineup that’s already turning heads across Major League Baseball, but when you’re in the same division as the Los Angeles Dodgers, there’s always room for improvement.

With stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and the promising Jackson Merrill anchoring the team, the Padres are in a strong position. However, enhancing their left field could be the key to gaining an edge.

Enter the possibility of a trade with the Boston Red Sox for Jarren Duran.

Currently, Tatis Jr. and Merrill are commanding nearly $40 million combined as part of the Padres’ outfield. But there’s potential for an upgrade in left field, especially with Ramon Laureano stepping in as a temporary fill.

Zachary Rymer from Bleacher Report has floated the idea that Jarren Duran might be the missing piece for San Diego. The Padres showed interest in Duran at the 2025 trade deadline, but the deal didn’t materialize. With Duran recently signing a $7.7 million contract to avoid arbitration, and being under club control through 2028, he remains an intriguing option.

Duran’s performance has been noteworthy, especially after snagging the All-Star Game MVP in 2024. While his consistency dipped in 2025, his blend of power and speed could be exactly what San Diego needs to boost their lineup.

The Red Sox would likely demand a significant return for Duran, given his durability-missing only five games over the past two seasons. Yet, the Padres’ front office is known for its aggressive trade strategies. A blockbuster deal in 2026 isn’t out of the question, and it could be the move that propels the Padres to new heights.